How to come up with an effective personal statement

Ofgad > Blogs > How to come up with an effective personal statement
Students sitting at desk and studying

The personal statement is an important part of your admission application. It’s your chance to describe your ambitions, skills, and experience that show your passion for your chosen field to university and college admissions staff.

The Personal Statement is probably the most crucial element of any university application. It is the closest an Admissions Officer will get to asking ‘who are you really?’, ‘what can you bring to the course?’ and ‘why should choose you over anyone else?’. That last question is a really important one.

This handy guide reveals the secrets to writing a brilliant Personal Statement. Read on for tips on what to include, structure and selling yourself on paper!

First -Plan out your ideas and thoughts

It’s likely that you won’t have ever written anything quite like a Personal Statement before. For this reason, spend time to plan out your ideas and thoughts, before you put together a first draft. You can use mind-mapping your ideas onto an a sheet of paper, as this allowed you to make links between various areas of your academics and extra-curricular activities.

Second – Structure your Personal Statement
1. Introduction

State your purpose

Here you need to make it very clear what it is you want to study, and (briefly) why you want to study it. Originality is key. However, avoid being cliche. Just remember, what you do want to do is grab the Admissions Officer’s attention.

2. Main Section

How have you come to the decision to choose your course? What has prepared you to take it on?

Here think about two thing –

Formal education

  • How has your studying so far led you towards your course choice?
  • Are any of your subjects particularly relevant to your course?
  • Don’t be afraid to be specific – talk about which topics/modules (ideally relevant ones) that you found especially interesting, and why.
  • Give evidence of how you have gained the key skills to succeed on your course.

Outside of education

How have you gone out of your way to learn about your subject of choice beyond formal education? Examples of this might include –

  • Reading books/articles not on your school reading lists
  • Watching documentaries/listening to podcasts
  • Attending talks/events/lectures on your subject
  • Seeking relevant work experience
  • Visiting museums/exhibitions
  • Talking to experts in the field/current students
3. Extra Curriculars

Use this next section to show that you are an interesting individual who is capable of successfully pursuing several interests at once. This demonstrates the ability to manage your time well and is a skill which all successful university students have! Discuss your most impressive pastimes: clubs, positions of responsibility, awards, charitable efforts are perfect for this!

4. Conclusion

Briefly restate why you want to study your course, and why you are a strong applicant. Be concise, and ensure this section makes an impact – it will be the final thing the Admissions Officer reads, so leave a lasting impression!

In terms of how much to write for each section, here’s suggestion:

Introduction – 15%
Main Section – 60%
Extra Curriculars – 15%
Conclusion – 10%

Given the unique nature of the Personal Statement, it’s a good idea to produce a few drafts. Play around with different examples and the structure of your statement. And do remember that every statement is different – if you read an older student’s Personal Statement, don’t feel that yours has to be similar, or follow the same format.

Overall, the key is not just to tell the admissions officer why you are keen and capable of studying this course, but to show them. Use evidence to back up what you are saying at every opportunity. Ground what you are saying in real world examples of your ability and enthusiasm.

Last – Proofread your Personal Statement

Definitely get someone to read through your statement before you submit your application. It’s always useful to have another set of eyes check for spelling/grammar mistakes you might have missed. Alternatively, you can seek our advice and support on your personal statement. We have been through the university application process, so we will be able to offer relevant support!

When you send us your interest to get admissions, then we consult with you to decide which subject, course type, university or college, and mode of study to choose. After consultation, we prepare your admission application and edit required documents such as personal statement to make sure it describes your ambitions, skills, and experience that show your passion for your chosen field to university and college admissions staff.

We are using cookies to give you the best experience. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in privacy settings.
AcceptPrivacy Settings

GDPR

  • Your privacy

Your privacy

We use cookies to improve your experience on our site and to show you relevant advertising.

To find out more, read our updated privacy policy and cookie policy.